Northwestern, strong at home, can extend Ohio State's road woes

Northwestern seeks to continue its home dominance when struggling Ohio State arrives Saturday in Evanston, Ill.

The Wildcats (14-5, 5-3 Big Ten) have won 10 of 11 at home, including 4-0 in conference play after a 96-91 overtime win against No. 10 Illinois on Wednesday.

Coupled with a 92-88 overtime victory at home vs. then-No. 1 Purdue on Dec. 1, the Wildcats have defeated two top-10 teams in the same season for the first time in program history.

Northwestern guard Brooks Barnhizer said the crowds deserve an assist for the milestone.

"It's a testament to our fans and our support," he said. "They did an unbelievable job. It shows where our program is and a testament to our culture."

That may be bad news for the Buckeyes (13-6, 3-5 Big Ten), who have lost 13 consecutive road games. The caveat is the last win was at Northwestern (73-57) on Jan. 1, 2023.

Ohio State is 1-4 in the past five games following a four-game winning streak. The most recent setback was Tuesday, 83-69 at Nebraska.

It was another ugly loss, and Buckeyes coach Chris Holtmann called out his team for lax defending and rebounding and a lack of sharpness running the offense.

"We weren't physical or tough enough," Holtmann said. "That is ultimately on me. We were too soft at times with the ball, soft with our cuts and soft defensively. We've got to be better in that area. That was clear. I think you saw it on the glass, for sure."

Nebraska had nine offensive rebounds to six for the Buckeyes.

"For us to only have six offensive rebounds, that is a joke for us right now," Holtmann said. "We are a better rebounding team than that. Across the board, we have to be better."

Northwestern coach Chris Collins has no worries in that regard after the Wildcats avenged a 96-66 loss to Illinois on Jan. 2.

"We got beat up and bullied the first game," he said. "We stood up that (Wednesday) with our toughness. They're a tough-minded group. They have a lot of character."

—Field Level Media